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SA records highest road toll in 4 years

May recorded the highest number of road deaths in South Australia in more than four years.

Damien Larkins, file photo: ABC News

South Australian Police are hoping for an improvement to the state's road toll next month, after this month recording the highest number of deaths in more than four years.

A 24-year-old and 46-year-old man were killed yesterday when their car hit a stobie pole at Mount Barker.

The driver of the car, who survived, is facing several charges, including death by dangerous driving.

Inspector Tony Crameri says there have been 19 deaths on the state's roads in May - the highest monthly tally since March 2005

"It is frustrating, we keep saying to people, be mindful of their need to obey the road rules," he said.

"They have to do that. They have a responsibility placed on them by having a licence given to them by the community."

Inspector Crameri says it is disappointing for the community that people keep flouting the road rules.

"The number of casualty crashes are down compared to last year, but it's just unfortunate the number of deaths are higher," he said.

"The number of people seriously injured in road crashes, such as people that suffer serious injuries of being a paraplegic or a quadriplegic or have serious brain injuries as a result are down, which is pleasing."

The mother of a teenage boy who survived yesterday's crash at Mount Barker says her son is suffering psychologically.

Amanda, who did not wish to give her surname, says the accident proves to young people that drink driving ends in tragedy.

"Stop driving - drinking and driving," she said.

"It's just absolutely horrific."

Mount Barker residents who live near the scene of the crash say the area is popular for dangerous driving.

Trevor Megaw says it is disappointing to see yet another accident in the Adelaide Hills.

"I just live up here and this is a 50 kilometre an hour road and you often see them doing 80, 90 [kilometres per hour], drag racing," he said.